PCS Continues to Ruin My Life
 

I've got a ton of questions and don't know where to start. Okay, so some backstory:

June 26th was when I received my initial concussion. It bothered me for about two weeks but eventually it was starting to clear up. However, after that I made a very poor decision. July 15th I decided to go to an amusement park with my family. Overall, most of the day was fine. However, there was one ride which I smacked the back of my head on, and put me where I am today.

1. Yesterday, when putting on a hoodie, it sort of rebounded and hit me in the back of the head. Yesterday, I experienced increased symptoms and today I feel more forgetful, even momentarily forgetting my best friend's name at one point. Am I back to square one?


2 Now, I'm 13. I had a lot of good things going for me before I received my first concussion. Straight A's, athletic, etc. This whole thing has kind of halted that. I'm more apathetic than ever, I'm forgetful, etc. Is this going to last forever? Will I ever return to normal?

3. I'm a hypochondriac. Is this prolonging my recovery time?

4. After gym class today, where we had to do shuttle runs, I felt terribly dizzy. Is there anyway I can explain to them what I'm going through?

That's about it guys.

Okay guys me again. Problem. As I was going to bed tonight my comforter hit my in the head very quickly. Will this prolong my recovery time anymore? PLEASE ANSWER

Hi MB,

It sounds like you have post concussion syndrome. Try to avoid blows to the head especially in the next few months and your symptoms WILL recover. However, I would advice restraining from full contact sports such as boxing, football, full-contact hockey. Just be patient, don't return to exercise too quickly, and while you're symptomatic, avoid videogames, TV and reading.

I know it's very boring, but you will be thankful to not prolong your recovery.

Things not so bad.
 

Hi MB,
I think that the first thing to say is that your symptoms do not seem that bad and I bet that you make a complete recovery from them, especially seeing that you are still a child. However, that does not mean that they should not be treated seriously. You mention some forgetfulness and slight occasional dizziness but if you look at some of the symptoms that some people have after a traumatic brain injury you will see that a lot of people are bothered by really bad headaches and fatigue for much of the day. The fact that you did not mention having these symptoms makes me think that your symptoms are relatively mild, which is to be thankful for.

Now, I really think that you need to be talking to adults about this, including parents or guardian, teachers and a doctor. Unfortunately it is the case that most of these people will not know much about postconcussion sydrome and they may not be that sympathetic. However, getting you to do shuttle runs is absolutely not the way that you want to be treating these symptoms and if the adults in your life knew much about PCS they would tell you to stop doing that. Also, no more fairground rides for quite a while!

You need to look after your head. I understand that you are a hypochondriac but at a certain point you should get to having no symptoms and that is when you should start thinking about gently returning to more athletic activity. Until then give up the shuttle runs and ANYTHING else that jerks your head around. Then I hope that you are likely to make a full recovery.

Good luck,
CS

Hey guys terrified again. I don't know if I hit my head on a door knob or not. A hit to the neck can't do anything to you right? And it's not like I really hit it it just kinda grazed it. Anyone have any insight?

MB292,

You need to slow down your life until things improve. You will improve but 13 years old is a challenge for concussions because the brain is being overwhelmed with hormones and changes in development. These put high levels of stress on the brain. Stressed brains take much longer to heal.

The amusement park was likely more traumatic that the single bump. The vibrations and jerking from the rides can be traumatic. You need to be aware of Sub-Concussive Impacts. These are head impacts or just head shakes that do not cause immediate concussion symptoms. They can cumulatively be as bad as a serious head impact.

So, slow down, reduce your risk, and give your brain quiet rest so it can heal. You should not be doing cardio or serious physical efforts until your symptoms get better. Ask if your school has a concussion recovery protocol. If it does not, tell them you need to be treated as recovering from a concussion. Have you mother or father write a letter demanding this consideration.

And, stay away from chemicals, no alcohol, energy drinks, caffeine, etc.

I lived through my early teens with serious PCS.

btw, How did you get your concussion ? Do you have a history of sports such as football or soccer ?

MB,

What happened in June, that took 2 weeks to clear up?

Share with us guy.

Help us help you.

Much is still under development with your brain at your age, so lets work together .

Follow Mark's recommendations above.

The Neck and the Head are in this together when it comes to Brain injury (concussions).

So, take break, Rest, go easy, give yourself some timeout this Fall .